Today the ArtZany! Radio studio with Paula Granquist features two segments. First, Northfield visual artist Mark Daehlin discusses making art and then we highlight the efforts of the Northfield collaborative project Northfield Reads as they explore the book $2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer

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Mark Daehlin is a wildlife and landscape artist with a studio at 910 Division Street South, Northfield, Minnesota. He has been painting fine art landscapes and skyscapes for decades. Mark paints both in the studio and en plein air, working in nature, painting what he likes, in natural light. This method is challenging and exhilarating. The fact that one must paint rapidly but with great accuracy, both in drawing and color sensitivity, is a challenge he relishes. He sees the artist’s role as creator of Windows on Paradise –paintings are portals through which the viewer may explore their own inner worlds, through dreams, visions and in contemplation.His website markdaehlin.com features galleries of his work for viewing and purchasing. Mark Daehlin Art is also on Facebook.

Northfield Reads 2016: $2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke ShaeferNorthfield Reads aspires to engage the community in lively discussions. This year, the focus is on the working poor and those living in poverty. $2 a Day chronicles the stories of several families who are living in this extreme poverty in a way that is engaging, informative, and inspiring. At the same time, it weaves through these stories information about the complex social, political, and economic factors that underlie this situation. Northfield Reads is offering four events again this year:

$2 Dinner: March 10, United Church of Christ: This included a meal typical of this income level, some activities, and speakers about homelessness and area food resourcesGuests paid $2 or what they could afford.

Book Discussion: Thursday, March 17, Content Bookstore

Video Showing: Tuesday, March 29, 7:00-9:00 pm, Dittman 305, St. Olaf Campus. The video Waging a Living follows four low-wage workers and will be shown for this event. Discussion will follow the movie.

Community Gathering: Thursday, April 7, 7:00-8:45 pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 Third Street W. This event will feature music by Broke Folk, a one act play by Northfield High School students, testimonials, discussion, and a time to focus on ways we can address this concern in Northfield.

Everyone is welcome at any and all of these events. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. What is important is to come with an open mind, ready to listen and to share as we explore who we are as a community. Books are available at Content Bookstore and Northfield Public Library.

Northfield Readsis a collaborative project, brought to you by: Human Rights Commission, Northfield Public Library, League of Women Voters, Community Action Center, Thrivent Financial, Northfield High School One Act Plays, Content Bookstore, Carleton College Center for Community and Civic Engagement, and St. Olaf College Department of Social Work and Family Studies